City says ‘Thanks' to departing Mayor Chuck Hunter

Mayor Chuck Hunter's retirement from city government was celebrated in typical Gig Harbor style with cupcakes, video tributes, much laughter and even a few tears.

The party took place in the lobby at city hall right before the Dec. 9 city council meeting.

Tables were decorated with toy bulldozers and other heavy equipment vehicles and the cupcakes were embellished with tiny hammers, screwdrivers and saws in honor of Hunter's earlier career as a builder.

The video showed many of the projects that have taken place under Hunter's leadership —the daylighting of Donkey Creek, the acquisition of the Ancich Park property and the old Stutz dock and construction of the new Maritime Pier, clean-up of Gig Harbor Bay, renovations at Eddon Boat and the Gig Harbor BoatShop, construction of St. Anthony hospital, restoration of Austin Estuary and more.

The video also featured words of praise from many familiar figures including Rep. Derek Kilmer; Terry Lee, PenMet Parks executive director; Police Chief Mike Davis and Wade Perrow who recalled that he and the mayor have known each other as friends and fellow contractors for more than 30 years.

"I can't roast Chuck because he's done so much for this city and he loves this city so much that you just can't roast him about things like that," Perrow said.

Following the party, several staff members shared their impressions of their departing boss:

"Chuck wasn't your typical Mayor," said Lita Dawn Stanton, the city's historic preservation officer. "He had a down-to-earth leadership style that encouraged the best from people.

"Who would have imagined the long list of projects that were completed on his watch? His commitment to getting things done has given us a long list of ‘forever' assets that will enrich our community for generations. People like him and (his wife), Diane, don't come along often. He will be missed."

City Clerk Molly Towslee agreed.

"When you look at all the projects that have been completed over the past eight years, it's easy to see that Chuck has been a great asset to Gig Harbor," Towslee said. "He cares very much for the town and the people who live, work and play here.

"He also values the city staff and was always quick to recognize good work."

Towslee should know. She worked side-by-side with the mayor for the entire eight years of his tenure.

"Working so closely with him, I've come to appreciate his easy-going personality and his sense of humor and I am going to miss him very much," she said.

Incoming mayor Jill Guernsey called Hunter, "… the right person at the right time for the job and the city has been very fortunate to have him."